Which place is cheaper, Sao Paulo or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Sao Paulo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Sao Paulo?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, and The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Sao Paulo $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Sao Paulo is $53. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Istanbul and Sao Paulo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Sao Paulo $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Sao Paulo $60
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Sao Paulo
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Sao Paulo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Sao Paulo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Sao Paulo $5.96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $753
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $469
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $323
- Private Full Day Walking Tour in Istanbul with Transfer: $294
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $226
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $224
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City - Sao Paulo Airport (GRU): $22
- Private One Way Airport Transfer Sao Paulo to and from Sao Paulo: $27
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo hotels to Santos Cruise Port: $32
- Transfer CGH Airport Congonhas <> Sao Paulo city / Hotel: $36
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Center to Guarulhos Airport: $36
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo hotels to Campinas Airport (VCP) - Departure Transfer: $38
- Campinas Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo hotels - Arrival Transfer: $38
- Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) to Sao Paulo - Private Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo to Campinas Viracopos Airport (VCP) - Private Transfer: $38
- Viracopos Airport (VCP) to São Pedro Thermal Arrival Transfer: $38
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Águas de Lindoia-Arrival Transfer: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Sao Paulo?
Prices for flights to both Sao Paulo and Istanbul change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayIstanbul $31Sao Paulo $15
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All inclusive: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Sao Paulo $4.08
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 2 Hours Ultimate Kebab Experience in Galata, Istanbul: $160
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
- Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
- Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet ( Private Tour ): $95
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $75
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $75
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Downtown São Paulo's Epic History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- São Paulo (Ibirapuera) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- São Paulo Paulista Avenue City Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
- Walking Tour Historic Center in São Paulo: $13
- Discover Sao Paulo History Guided Tour: $27
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of São Paulo : $35
- Night Walking Tour through the Bars of Augusta street: $35
- Breakfast Tour in Bom Retiro: $43
- São Paulo: 2 Hours - Liberdade "Street Food" Tour: $54
- City Tour Meet São Paulo Half-Day: $64
- Bixiga Walking Tour: $67
- Sao Paulo Culture Walking Tour: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Sao Paulo $3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $849
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- São Paulo Nightlife: Pub Crawl in the City that Never Sleeps!: $49
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
- Wine Tour in São Roque by car - tour with local guides: $98
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Sao Paulo, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul than you might in Sao Paulo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Istanbul Expensive? and Is Sao Paulo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Sao Paulo?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Sao Paulo. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Sao Paulo, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Istanbul or Sao Paulo?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Istanbul has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Istanbul or Sao Paulo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Sao Paulo. The summer months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Istanbul is generally around the same temperature as Sao Pauloin January. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 24°C (74°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Sao Pauloin January. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Sao Paulo 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?
Both Sao Paulo and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
Istanbul is cooler than Sao Paulo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin April. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Sao Paulo 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Sao Paulo in the Winter?
Both Sao Paulo and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Istanbul is much colder than Sao Paulo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Istanbul in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 19°C (66°F)in July.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Sao Pauloin July. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Sao Paulo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Sao Paulo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Sao Paulo. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Istanbul is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin October. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 13°C (55°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
In April, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin October. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Sao Paulo 21°C (70°F)
Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Sao Paulo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.